Friday, March 30, 2007

When the Cream Rises to the Top

I'm pretty new to blogging and as a small fish in an extremely big pond, it takes tremendous effort to capture the attention of an audience on a regular basis when there is such overexposure to so much information available everywhere all the time.

Trying to navigate the internet some days gives you kind of a rush, but more often than not I liken it to pushing an overheated 1978 Ford Pinto with two flat tires and a donut along the lightning fast traffic on the information superhighway.

Anyway, I've always been one to sound the trumpet upon discovering a great new find and one day while schlepping around in the blogosphere, I ran across Afrobella. This woman probably has one of the best blogs I've discovered yet. And yes, I'm plugging her. No, I don't know her. No, this is no ploy to generate traffic but yes I'll admit, I hope to get some traffic as a result.

I am a regular reader of her blog and have yet to not be entertained. Afrobella ia a finely written blog full of up-to-the-minute entertainment news, micro-scale history lessons and, thoughtful journeys through sister and womanhood. The author, Patrice Yursik is well-read and succinct in her commentary. There are posts that will make you smile, make you think and make you angry. Whichever emotion her blog elicits, it is sure to move you. There are hundreds of thousands of blogs out in the blogosphere, but when the cream rises to the top, you gotta hold'em up. I encourage you all to visit www.afrobella.com often.

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Hot, Fun, Sexy, Cool

Essentials for the summer




With grapeseed extract to soothe and protect skin, this colorless formula fills in fine lines and pores to help skin appear visibly softer with a smooth velvet finish. Use after moisturizer and before foundation for complexion perfection.





Triple milled powder that provides sheer, ultra-natural coverage to set makeup, soften color and smooth the texture of the skin for an overall radiant complexion. The silky-smooth texture blends undetectably into the skin, absorbs excess oils and maintains fresh looking skin with an imperceptible finish.






Seriously smart...

With all natural, cell-energizing corn extract that renews the appearance of skin for a fresher, revitalized complexion. Packed with anti-aging ingredients including UVA/UVB SPF 15 for sun protection and vitamin C to fight free radicals. The unique, patented bio-delivery system gives you time-released moisturization and firming benefits for a flawless future.





Seriously hot...

Steal your favorite cover girl look with this color coordinated make-up palette in a book. Kit contain 3 coordinating shadows, 4 glosses and 1 brush.







Seriously Fun...
Bella Il Fiori Roll On Eyeshadow

This trend setting eye shadow uses a fun roller ball to evenly coat the eye with Bella’s ultra rich color formulation. Simply roll it on, then blend with your fingertips. Add different shades for a sexy layering effect. Fun and fabulous!




...and other 'must-haves' to start the summer right



From left to right: NYX Single Eye Shadows available in 160 shades, Too Faced Cosmetics Lash Gems available in 4 colors, Too Faced Rip Off Makeup Remover, NARS Sparkling Pressed Powder in 3 shades, Too Faced Lash Injection Mascara, Bella Il Fiore Bella Face Pallettes-3 Collections.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Even Skin Tones - Pore Perfection - Part 2



Enlarged pores are a fact of life and a problem for many women. We spend millions a year on products to transform our skin to rival images we see in Glamour, Elle, and Cosmo. Unfortunately, what we see on magazine covers is not reality, its airbrushing. Yet we strive to attain the ‘poreless’ look usually with not a lot of luck. It is what it is: real life. Generally there is not a lot that can be done to permanently reduce the size of our pores. And that’s ok, there is an upside. Our pores are from where our hair grows and makes it shiny. They secret oil to protect the skin surface, they serve as an outlet for sweat to help to regulate our skin temperature. The pores in skin also serve as a waste filtering system that gets rid of toxins in our systems.

Genetics play a large part in determining your skin texture. Thick, oily skin is typically characterized by larger pores more so than skin that is dry. There are scads of products on the market to improve the appearance of large pores, refining them and making them look smaller. Some of these products actually do provide a temporary fix, some just make other people richer.

The Problem

Over-active sebaceous glands. Oil is a good thing and a not so good thing. The good thing is that it does protect and lubricate our skin. When produced in reasonable, manageable amounts it helps to give a healthy glow to skin. The not so good thing is our sebaceous glands can be over stimulated and create excess oil that we have to ‘mop’ up. Pores can become clogged with dead skin cells that are not properly exfoliated , the dead cells stick and collect on the skin and becomes an all-you-can-eat buffet for bacteria. The bacteria sit and eat and causes irritation that leads to pus and redness, which usually then lead to pimples. It just becomes a real mess.
Sun exposure (again) can cause enlarged pores. UV rays break down collagen which weakens the tissues that surrounds the pores and ultimately and permanently enlarges them. This makes the case for using sunscreen on a regular basis if the previous post on hyperpigmentation doesn’t.

Digging and picking creates way more problems than it solves. Blackheads and white heads are collections of dead skin cells. To try to squeeze or pick them out of the skin/pore only increases the likelihood that you will only increase (permanently) the size of the clogged pore.

Lackadaisical skin care. It’s a lot of work; looking good. When oily, blackhead-prone skin is paired with inconsistent skin care, the battle waged will be never-ending and brutal. Dead skin cells can gather around the edges of the pores making them look larger than they really are. Overzealous, random cleanings does more harm than good. Skin care should be consistent and approached with a gentle hand. Taking a hand sander to your skin is not going to help. Gentle, consistent exfoliation will.

The Fix

AHAs and BHAs. Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) will help to reduce oil on the skin. Glycolic acid is a fruit acid or alpha hydroxy acid. Other alpha hydroxy acids include citric, lactic, malic acids. Over-the-counter preparations contain about 10% glycolic or other fruit acid. Dermatological procedures and preparations will contain from 20% in topical preparations up to 80%. These higher concentrations are generally used in chemical peel procedures. Over time, over-the-counter preparations can result in minimal improvement in the overall texture of the skin, but peels performed by an aesthetician or dermatologist will net greater overall results. A professionally performed procedure will not only rid the skin of the lipids that bind the dead cells together giving the appearance of larger pores, it will also correct hyperpigmentation, acne scarring and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
BHA is the all-too-common salicylic acid. It is derived from the winter bark and sweet birch bark tree and has been used by dermatologists in treating acne for years.

The cause for sunscreen can never be preached too loudly or too often. UV ray damage causes a host of problems some minor some major. Of your reason for UV protection is only superficial, the bonus is you’re also guarding yourself against more serious conditions such as basal and squamous cell carcinoma. The lowest SPF rating you should use is 15. Many dermatologists and aestheticians recommend 30 SPF. At the very least, UV protection will help to guard against the breakdown of collagen that plumps up the skin, thus minimizing the appearance of large pores.

Blackhead extractors can and should be used if you cannot overcome the urge to pick them out. Blackheads are plugs of dead skin cells and oil clogging the pores. Picking at them will make it worse, I promise! But if you must, you should first steam your skin to loosen the oil and/or use a warm wash cloth to compress the area. Encircle the blackhead in the loop of the extractor and press until the clog dislodges. Do not apply too much pressure. If the clog cannot be dislodged, see your dermatologist. Too much force can cause irritation and scarring.

Consistent, common sense skin care is probably the easiest, and hardest habit to develop. Cleansing the skin twice a day goes a long way to ensure skin that is clearer and fresher looking. Exfoliating the skin regularly helps to slough away dead skin cells revealing fresh skin, keeps your pores unclogged which lessens the occurrence of blackheads and enlarged pores. Exfoliating cleansers include products that are granulated to aid in the exfoliation of the skin. Some work better than others. Natural products such as apricot may have jagged edges that can cause irritation. A washcloth is an ideal aid in exfoliating the skin. An oil-free cleanser is a must, a good toner is another product that should be used regularly as it can assist in the lifting of dead skin cells and to help close freshly cleaned pores.

Don’t sleep in your makeup. Cleanse your skin completely of makeup before you go to bed. Cells regenerate while you sleep. Your pillow also helps to exfoliate your skin (how about that!). Going to bed with a clean face gives your skin a fighting chance at keeping your pore size to its minimum diameter.

Hydration. A recent study suggests that drinking water does not aid in the overall health of your skin. I doubt the validity of the study and will only say that when in doubt, the worst H2O can do is quench your thirst. My own common sense suggests that since a majority of the fluids in our bodies is composed of water it has to have some positive properties that include helping to flush or cleanse and regulate the integumentary system (the skin).

For more detailed reading on this and other common skin conditions, go to http://www.dermadoctor.com/pages/newsletter90.asp

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Short Attention Span Theater - Front Row Seat

I was all concentration, making a conscientious effort to post the most fabulous post ever! I mean really working hard but alas, I was so instantly and completely distracted and I can't help it. I am absolutely in love with the new Target ads. They are so chic and slick...man, I LOVE Target!!! It's like (cheap) champange taste on a Kool-aid budget! Totally absorbed for the ENTIRE 30 seconds! Now I've lost my concentration and drive for the evening, but stay tuned for the most fabulous post ever...next time.

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Even Skin Tone for the Tone Deaf



Because beautiful skin is so fundamental to creating the perfect canvas for your look, finding a good skin care system or program that works well for you warrants some time and attention. This is a 6-part series that will include common skin problems and some common, some not-so common and, some cutting-edge solutions that will give you your best skin yet.

Discovering your best looking skin is not as difficult as you might think. Beautiful skin or your best skin is not a one size fits all. But your skin can look its best with some objective expert information, a little discipline and products or procedures that work for you. A good skin care regime is your second step to your best complexion. The first step is knowledge. Before putting together a good skin care regime, you should first know what you’re working with. Specifically, there is no other skin like yours and so you should treat it as such. But, there are common skin types and common skin problems.
Hyperpigmentation and Excess Sun Exposure

The Problem

One culprit of uneven skin tone is hyperpigmentation or a mass of clusters of melanin in skin creating an uneven appearance. Age spots, melasma, and freckles (which are inherited) are examples of hyperpigmentation. UV rays can cause excess melanin to form deposits in the skin resulting in hyperpigmentation. Darkened skin patches can become darker or more pronounced when skin is exposed to the sun. This happens because melanin absorbs the energy of the sun's harmful UV rays in order to protect the skin from overexposure. The usual result of this process is tanning, which tends to darken areas that are already hyperpigmented.

The first and most important rule of thumb is to protect your skin against UV rays. Sun overexposure is a leading cause of skin damage. UV rays can damage all skin tones and skin types. If you think you’re safe because you have dark skin, think again. Dark skin is not your get out of jail free card. UV rays penetrate the skin (all races, all skin tones) and causes free radicals that damage skin cells and cause skin to repair itself more slowly which leads to premature aging.
You can’t shun the sun and become a vampire because you need the sun for your body to manufacture vitamin D which is actually a hormone that that regulates and helps to absorb calcium and phosphorus, but that is a whole other story. Bottom line is you still need the sun, but over exposure can cause potentially serious health problems such as skin cancer. The happy or satisfactory medium – broad-spectrum sun screen.

If you already have superficial damage changing your habits may help to offset the damages of sun exposure. Whatever your skin type, a regularly applied broad-spectrum sunscreen is good protection against blotchy, blemished skin and photo-aging. The recommendation is 15 SPF. Some dermatologists recommend at least 30 SPF.

The Fix


Hydroquinone
There’s more than one cause of skin discoloration. Fortunately, bleaching remains the same regardless of source of the darkness. There are products and procedures on the market that can reverse the effects of damaging UV rays. Topical solutions such as fade creams with hydroquinone work well and are inexpensive. DERMAdoctor.com has articles that provide detail on bleaching or fade creams with hydroquinone and a wide variety of other bleaching solutions that may work for your skin.

Trichloro Acetic Acid
Can erase superficial discoloration and fine lines. Trichloro acetic acid is the most common chemical peel . TCA peels provide an intermediate solution that can last from six months to two years. It is a chemical so it will burn. Your dermatologist will apply iced saline and burns for two to ten minutes. It takes 15 to 60 minutes for the dermatologist to perform the procedure. Chemical peels cannot correct deep sun damage. For more detailed information on chemical peels go to http://www.infoplasticsurgery.com/facial/peels/TCApeels.html

Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion uses mechanical abrasion from jets of zinc oxide or aluminum oxide crystals, fine organic particles, or a roughened surface. Particles and removed material are vacuumed off through the wand through which the abrasive particles come. It is also effective in removing sun-damaged skin and dark spots on the skin and scars left from moderate to severe acne. The procedure is not very painful and requires no anaesthetic.

Sunday, March 18, 2007

Valentino V Absolu


Valentino V Absolu was not on my 'to do' list from my Playing the Field post, but I couldn't resist trying it. Some may like the floral top notes but for me, it was too sweet and overpowering. The bottle is beautiful, though. There is a very subtle hint of vanilla. I like a spicier/woodier fragrance. So far, Tiffany is still my power scent, but I'm still looking, any suggestions?

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

It's a Wrap, Baby!


Fresh look in clean geen:
Cynthia Steffe Damask Jacquard Trench - $505
Cool nights out:
Valentino Red Evening Coat - $885


Spring couldn't be cooler than this:
Dana Buchman Lyon Belted Leather Jacket - $995
Dolce and Gabanna Belted Suede Trench - $1,595


Nanette Lepore Pompadour Paisley Jacket - $365
Mackage Irina Cape-Style Trench - $395

Spring is here! Well, it's almost here...in a few more days!

Sunday, March 11, 2007

Product Close Up:



Did you ever have the perfect lip color then all of a sudden, it’s discontinued? I wore a lip color by Lancome’ that I loved so much I felt like I was married to it. When I found out it was being discontinued, I went to Macy’s (then Hudson’s) and bought every tube of it I could afford. I never since found one that looked so good on me.


But, that was years ago and I can’t remember the color name, and don’t have a sample of the color. Oh well, life goes on. But here’s good news for you, if you have a color that you love and can’t seem to find it anywhere, Three Custom Color Specialists or 3CC, can match it. Will it be identical? Maybe, maybe not. Will it be so close that you won’t care? More than likely.
3CC was founded in 1997 by Scott Catto, Trae Bodge and Chad Hayduk. Bodge and Hayduk began their careers at Visage Beaute, known for its custom blending and later moved on to Kiehl’s. Catto, 3C’s managing director had worked as a director of an art gallery in SoHo. The trio met at The Tunnel, a New York club, became friends and with their combined creative vision, the three custom color specialists went into to business. The trio brings a combined total of more than 30 years experience in cosmetics and marketing. 3CC began in the industry offering ready-to-wear and custom blending lipsticks, glosses and blushes.

Within five years 3CC had expanded their line adding more custom products including blended eye shadows. They don’t color forecast. They don’t need to. If I had a tube of the lipstick I loved so much which would be almost 10 years old, I wouldn’t care too much about what’s coming to market. In the same vein, maybe your Grandma Violet has a candy dish in a funky color you’d never seen anywhere made from let’s say, depression era glass. Yep. They can match it. In 2001 about 75% of their mail order business and 20% of in-store business was custom blending and they never discontinue their colors. Once your color is created, you never have to be without it again. Got a sample of the color you cannot find? You can swipe it into a baggie (don’t swipe it on paper, it may change the color), or send a swatch of fabric, a paint chip, you name it. Know the color and can’t find it? Send them the brand name and color or send your lipstick tube. 3CC has a color archive of more than 6,000 shades of lip color.

What you get for the money.

Fifty dollars will get you two tubes of your custom blended color or gloss available from now on. For an additional $15.00 at the time of ordering you can get an additional tube, pot or wand of your custom color. Reorder and you get a $10.00 discount.

But wait, there’s more! 3CC also custom blends cream concealers, face powders, blush, brow powders and, eye shadows. For more information on Three Custom Color Specialists and how to order your custom colors, go to their website at http://www.threecustom.com/.

Friday, March 09, 2007

Stella by Stella McCartney

In my research for a new 'it' perfume, I decided to try Stella (Stella McCartney) first. I wore it for one afternoon. Smells fine. Probably great on some, but not me. It must be incompatible with my chemistry. In the end, I was not very impressed.

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Is This Thing On???



False eyelashes can add drama, mama! The trick to expertly applying false lashes is to take your time so, if you only have ten minutes to dash out the door, dash sans the lashes. The last thing you want to do is look like you’ve been stricken with an acute case of Tammy Faye Syndrome (which can be fatal!) To put them on and keep them on, takes practice. After a few applications, it will get easier and soon you’ll be able to put them on with your eyes closed.
Here are the steps to drop-dead, glamour je ne sais quoi, absolutely fantabulous eyes with falsies.

What you’ll need:
Draft free location
Lashes, individual flare
Pointed tweezers – (Tweezerman brand is a good choice)
Mirror (2x is good)
Lash glue (black)
Eyelash curler
Eyelash comb
Makeup remover
Sharp scissors
Cotton swabs or makeup removal pads
Lashes must be applied to clean dry lashes. Clean eyes/lashes with makeup remover to clean any traces of eye makeup and mascara.
Use and eyelash curler to give your own lashes a little curvature.
Clip false lashes to the desired length.
Put a small (pea-sized) amount of lash glue on the back of your hand.
Pick up tip and dip flare into glue, begin with a minimal amount.
Wait about 30 seconds before applying while the glue sets up (gets tacky).
With a steady hand, apply tip as close to your lash line as possible hold the tip in place with the tweezer for a couple seconds to ensure secure adhesion.
Following its natural curve start, from the outer corner of your eye and work your way in toward the bridge of your nose.
Continue to apply flares until you are satisfied with the results.
Tips for extended wear:
Go big for a good adhesive. A good adhesive will keep the bond longer than a dollar store brand. http://www.oasislashes.com Do not allow water to contact newly applied lashes for at least a couple of hours while the glue sets. Water may compromise the bond of the glue.
Comb through with an eyelash comb to ensure no lashes are sticking together.
Use a specially formulated coating mascara for eyelash extensions.
http://www.oasislashes.com Extension coating mascaras extends the life of your false lashes. You can use a regular water soluble mascara but repeated use of mascara breaks down the bond of the glue and will shorten the life of the application.
Creams, lotions and makeup removers with oil may loosen the bond of your lashes, shortening the life of the bond of your lashes.

Keeping it Almost Real
Use a liquid liner to line your eye to add heighten drama and to hide false lash line.
Do not apply lashes that are more than 1/3 of an inch if you are going for a glamorous but natural look.
Clip lashes if necessary to create subtle variation in the length of individual lashes.
Removal:
Using a makeup remover and a warm compress, take your time to gently remove lashes. Do not pull lashes off. You may pull out your own lashes or rip your skin.
GO WILD!!!

There are high fashion lashes available in stores and online. Shu Uemura www.shuuemura.com and www.eeyelash.com have a variety of attention getting lashes available that add drama and includes rhinestone studded, glitter banded, feather lashes.

Sunday, March 04, 2007

Playing the Field


Ever wear a perfume that smells so great that you get double-takes from almost everyone you walk past? It happens to me just about every time I wear Tiffany. I have been stopped so many times by people asking what I was wearing that I had even started wearing it to the gym (yes, it can even muscle its way through workout funk—now that’s a fragrance!). The scent lasts all day and into the evening and seldom needs freshening up. Tiffany has been my signature fragrance since 1995 when I stumbled across it in what was then Hudson’s Department store (now Macy’s) in suburban Detroit.

Tiffany is now proprietary and only sold offline at the Tiffany Store as far as I know, which is not all bad. I’ve never considered it an inconvenience to have to go to Tiffany’s.

Picking up a fresh scent.

I’m not one who usually messes around with a good thing, but evolution suggests that change is good. So this year I have decided to be a little adventurous and try something new. I’m on a quest to find another perfume to make my own. I don’t think I’ll find anything to replace Tiffany which is my first real love, but I’m ready to fool around a little.

Here are some that I have my sights on and will consider trying over the next two or three months:


The legendary Cartier scent in a new, exotic bottle.• Bright top notes of mandarin and neroli.• Floral middle notes of rose, jasmine, and jonquil.• Vanilla base notes mixed with tonka bean and musk.• 1.6 ounces in a new, exquisite brushed bronze metal casing with an engraved Cartier logo. $190.00

Yosh Omniscent $130.00
Pink pepper gives this scent a light, ethereal quality, yet it's also spicy and robust.


Earth's most precious element, water, is the central theme of L'Eau d'Issey. By blending the sparkling qualities of water with the warm undertones of earth, the fragrance represents purity, serenity, movement, and vivacity—awakening a feeling of total beauty. The fragrance is a pure floral with musky and woody tones, including: • A wide range of floral scents including lotus, cyclamen, freesia, carnations, and white lilies. • Hints of amber-seed musk. 3.3-ounce eau de toilette spray. $84.00


Silver Sleeve ParfumReference no. 168THEO01
Theo Fennell worked closely with expert perfumers to create this bold and sensual fragrance. Theo Fennell Scent is a well-structured classical Chypre-Oriental fragrance that combines primary powerful notes of Saffron, Lily, Rose and Orchid with the rich, spicy floral at the heart of the Scent that gives the fragrance its luxurious sensuality. The light top notes of Jasmine, Vanilla and Sandalwood provide instant impact and an exquisite sparkle. Theo Fennell Scent is a fragrance with potent femininity that is designed to become at one with a woman's skin… The 15ml pure Parfum in the Theo Fennell Scent range sits within a finely crafted silver “cup”, debuting the Theo Fennell Scent Silver Collection. Size: 15mlWorldwide Exclusive to Harrods
PRICE £250.00

Stella McCartney
A fragrance based on the contrast between the freshness and softness of the rose and the dark sensuality of amber. A very sophisticated gesture that emphasizes the intense femininity of the fragrance.• For the top notes, the rose essence fused with peony flower and drops of mandarin essence provide a seductive combination.• For the heart note, the rose absolute reveals a more intense facet.• For the base note, the mystery of amber creates an addictive sensation of sensuality.• .25 ounces. $105.00
I love eye candy! Some of the new fragrances have the most chic packaging that I think it will be difficult to resist making a selection purely on packaging alone. But, the proof will ultimately be in the testing.

If you have to ask the price honey...you can’t afford it.


Clive Christian No 1 for Women Pure Perfume
No 1 for Women Pure Perfume. Floral Oriental. "The world's most expensive perfume", created without reference to cost using the finest, rarest, most precious ingredients. Presented in a handmade lead crystal bottle with a single natural white brilliant cut diamond in gold collar. 1 oz. · Top notes: Pineapple, plum, mirabelle, white peach · Heart: Rose, jasmine, ylang ylang, orris, carnation · Base: Vanilla, benjoin balm, tonka seeds, cedarwood

$2,350.00


Clive Christian Perfume Set for Women
Perfume Spray Traveller Set for Women. An introduction to the three classic Clive Christian perfumes. The ultimate portable luxury for the perfume devotee. Includes: · No 1 perfume spray, 0.34 oz · 1872 perfume spray in authentic green bottle, 0.34 oz · X perfume Creation spray in black bottle, 0.34 oz

$285.00



Tom Ford Eyewear Black Orchid Perfume
Evocative of iconic fragrances of the past, this luxurious and sensual fragrance with its rich dark accords and alluring potion of black orchids and sultry woods is both modern and timeless. The exquisite Lalique crystal bottle is signed and numbered and comes with a certificate of authenticity. A glass vial filled with perfume and a gold funnel accompanies the limited edition black bottle. A black velvet pouch completes the presentation.
· Top notes: Black Truffle, Ylang, Bergamot, Black Currant
· Middle notes: Florals, Fruit and Lotus Wood
· Base notes: Noir Gourmand, Patchouli, Incense and Vetiver
· 0.5 oz.

$600.00

I would go into meltdown if I were ever able to afford to have a bottle of Clive Christian perfume. The bottle is hand-cut crystal, with a diamond set in a 24-karat gold plated collar.

The Best Fitting Jeans Ever!

Trolling for Jeans that Will Transform Your Figure

Do you know the Muffin man?
Photo courtesy of the Daily News.

Shopping for jeans can be traumatic. Ok, well that might be overstating it a little but it can be a little stressful at the least if you are shaped anything like me. Jeans are the most basic staple in any closet. Jeans are always the solution for ‘what to wear’ and can be dressed up with a silk blouse, jacket and pumps or down with a tee or halter top and flip flops. If you don’t have any jeans, I’ll have to assume you are wearing those polyester blends with the stitched in permacrease and an elastic waist. And if that’s your thing, that’s ok, it’s a look.
But if you want the best fitting jeans ever, you must first consider some basic truths. Some women make the mistake of assuming they can wear whatever they see on someone else or on a mannequin, oblivious to the fact that the fierce outfit they see on a skinny little size 0 may be an unmitigated disaster on them. If you wear an 8, you cannot assume the laws of physics will allow you squeeze into a 2 and if you are determined (or crazy) enough to actually attempt to defy this law, and stuff your size 8 body into a size 2 your depth of denial is so deep that you should never shop alone. If you are wearing jeans or any clothes that are sizes so small that it takes effort for your body to bend and move naturally more often than not you spend a considerable amount of time looking every bit the stuff sausage ready for the grill. The laws of physics were not made to be broken!

Squeezing into too small jeans will not corral the bulge, they will only amplify it. The muffin top or the plumber’s cleavage will never be in style, it’s just not that sexy despite what your boyfriend or husband tells you. If your girlfriend tells you you look good, check the waist of her jeans. If she has a muffin top too, she’s looking for camaraderie, if she doesn’t, she’s either myopic or wants to make sure she looks hotter than you.


You Don’t Have to Settle for ‘They Kinda Fit”

If you’re trying to get it together, there’s hope for you, and me and every one of us wanting to look good in our jeans. Selecting the best jeans for your body is not as easy as putting a pair to your waist in a department store. Picking up a pair in the store, and doing the ‘eye fit’ is hit-or-miss in the best of times. But it is not as complicated as building a spaceship in your basement either. It just takes a little forethought and critical analysis of your shape. All jeans are not created equal.

The Most Common Body Types

There are three common body types that most women fall into: Pear, Hourglass and Boyish. Pear shaped women are bottom heavy and no matter how many leg lifts and squats they do they will always be pear shaped. It’s their genetic makeup. Just like a woman with an hourglass or straight or boyish figure, it can be enhanced through diet and exercise, but your body type will not change. Each of these body types have positives that can shine through the perceived negatives, i.e., my butt is too fat (pear), I can hide behind a ruler (boyish) or I look like a barbell (hourglass). Actually, any woman with an hourglass figure should never complain. Here are some general characteristics for each common body type and the best jean for that shape:

Pear shaped: Narrower upper body, small bust, small shapely waist, ample hips and thighs.
Celebs with similar shapes: Kim Cattrell




Little in the Middle jeans are made by a specialty retailer of figure fitting jeans and pants for women who have a little less in the waist area than they do in the hips. Little in the Middle jeans are a natural fit for pear and hourglass shaped women who desire form, fit and fashion. No more gaps in the back, finally a pair of pants that embrace your waist! $79.00

Hourglass: the most symmetrical body type, ample bust, small shapely waist, hips that are in equal proportion to upper body
Celebs with similar shapes: Janet Jackson, Jennifer Aniston , Halle Berry


Boyish: straight, small bust, narrow waist, narrow hips, less curvy than pear shape and hourglass.
Celebs with similar shapes: Gweneth Paltrow, Courtney Cox


Style: Low Rise, Snug, Boot
Hudson's Signature Boot's classy fit jean has just the right amount of stretch to perfectly hug your curves. Hudson's triangle flap back pockets and slanted trouser style front pockets create a signature look. The white contrast topstitching perfectly compliments the dark Twilight wash. A wider waist band helps to control your mid-section.




People's Liberation Jeans
Tommy Lee Signature Bootcut
Style: Low Rise, Relaxed, Boot
You cannot help but feel like a rock star while wearing People's Liberation Tommy Lee Signature Boot Cut jeans.
These jeans get their rocker edge from abrasion marks and aged detailing running down the legs. The rock and roll look is topped off with and leather logo patch and Tommy Lee's own signature adorning the back pockets. These jeans are limited so get them while you can! Price: $253.00



For all body types:



Style: Mid Rise, Snug, Boot
Say goodbye to tummy trouble with this pair of mid-rise boot cut Worn jeans that hits across the belly.
Worn’s Alder jean is a mid-rise boot cut that fits snuggly through the hip and flatters many body types. Because the mid rise rests two thirds of the way between the hip and the smallest part of the waist, it helps to eliminate the dreaded muffin top, plumber’s butt and love handles that occur when wearing low rise jeans.

Worn jeans are all handcrafted and designed to enhance the female body shape. The dark blue Nocturn wash with a slight green tint creates a vintage looking pair of denim. The golden stitching provides the perfect contrast to the dark blue Nocturn wash. The cotton/spandex blend offers exactly the right amount of stretch in all the right places. A logo patch brands the back waist band and the golden stitching on the back pockets creates a signature vintage style. $84.00



Visit http://www.truejeans.com/ for a wide selection of jeans that fit all body types and more styles and brand names: Lucky Brand, Wrangler 47, Odyn, iT Jeans, Kasil, Frankie B. , Gold Sign, and others.

Basic Elements of a Pair of Bumpin Jeans.
The style of jean is negotiable. Whether boot cut or skinny, low or mid-rise, these 3 basics cannot be compromised if you expect to bump those jeans.

1. Jeans should hug not squeeze your waist. If you can’t put your hand (or a finger) between the small of your back and your waist band, your jeans are too tight.

2. Check the rise. The rise of your jeans should be comfortably seated and not cutting you in half creating the dreaded camel toe nor should it be so low that you can feel your thighs touch together. You should be able to bend, twist and walk comfortably. If the rise is not fitted properly it makes your butt looks like it sags.

3. The length on your jeans is pretty much personal choice but there are still some guidelines. Unless they are cropped, they should pass the ankle. The proper length is to break the crease at the top of the shoe. Since the length or the break is dependent on the shoe type, wear the shoe or a one similar to your jean fitting.

Jeans go into day or night, from the office to the beach. Where ever you go in your jeans, don’t take on the burden of being the crash test dummy for how not to look.